Delhi’s air quality remained grim on Tuesday morning, with Delhi’s AQI at 306, indicating the city continues to struggle under the “Very Poor” category. Pollution levels are still dangerous to health, especially for vulnerable individuals, even though they are marginally better than Monday’s 315. Several neighborhoods in the nation’s capital had concerning levels of pollution, with Wazirpur and Siri Fort being the most contaminated areas, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Millions of people are still struggling to breathe due to heavy smog and stagnant air, and air quality in neighboring NCR cities has also declined sharply.

Pollution Levels Across Delhi-NCR Remain Critical

Real-time data from aqi.in shows that Delhi’s AQI at 306 early in the day rose to 341 by 8 a.m., reflecting worsening conditions as the morning progressed. The dangerously high AQI readings of 349 were observed in Wazirpur and Siri Fort, followed by 340 in Ashok Vihar and Bawana. Jahangirpuri (334), Sonia Vihar (332), and Burari Crossing (330) were better than Rohini’s 338. Toxic air continued to permeate even historically congested traffic zones like Anand Vihar (328) and ITO (328), and Mundka registered 327, further demonstrating that pollution had dispersed equally throughout Delhi’s neighborhoods.

NCR towns outside the capital likewise did not do well. Greater Noida saw a sharp increase from 372 to 375; Noida’s AQI rose from 345 at 6 a.m. to 363 by 8 a.m.; and Ghaziabad, one of the most polluted areas, reported 363 before marginally declining. The air quality in Gurgaon improved slightly, from 335 to 318, but it remained in the “Very Poor” classification. Persistently high readings like this, especially in youngsters and the elderly, can cause respiratory distress, ocular irritation, and weariness, according to environmental specialists.

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Weather Update and Cloud Seeding Possibility

Early in the morning, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Delhi has predicted a partly overcast sky with isolated areas of mist or light fog. If light rain or drizzle develops later in the evening, the air quality may improve slightly. Temperatures were about 18°C on Monday morning, with highs of 29–31°C and lows of 17–19°C predicted for the day. However, because of low wind speeds and chilly air that traps pollutants close to the surface, meteorologists predict that pollution levels will likely remain high unless there is significant rainfall.

Authorities are thinking of a creative way to address the situation, like a cloud seeding experiment, provided the weather permits. According to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a review meeting will determine whether the trial is feasible given the meteorological circumstances. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously stated that this experiment might be made feasible by appropriate cloud formations between October 28 and 30. With Delhi’s AQI at 306, underscoring the capital’s worsening air quality crisis, such initiatives emphasize how urgent it is to find fresh solutions.

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